Toyota Camry Hybrid (2018 year). Instruction - part 27

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.

■

Checking the engine oil

Park the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine
and turning it off the hybrid system, wait more than 5 minutes for
the oil to drain back into the bottom of the engine.

Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out.

Wipe the dipstick clean.

Reinsert the dipstick fully.

Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check the
oil level.

Low

Normal

Excessive

The shape of the dipstick may
differ depending on the type of
vehicle or engine.

Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.

Engine oil

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Adding engine oil

If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as that
already in the engine.

Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed
before adding oil.

Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.

Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.

Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.

■

Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following
situations, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be
refilled in between oil maintenance intervals.

●

When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle or
after replacing the engine

●

If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used

●

When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, or when driving
while accelerating or decelerating frequently

●

When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently
through heavy traffic

Engine oil selection

→P. 529

Oil quantity 
(Low 

→ Full)

1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.)

Items

Clean funnel

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WARNING

■

Used engine oil

●

Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflammation and skin cancer, so care
should be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used
engine oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.

●

Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do
not dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the
ground. 
Call your Toyota dealer, service station or auto parts store for information
concerning recycling or disposal.

●

Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.

NOTICE

■

To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.

■

When replacing the engine oil

●

Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.

●

Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.

●

Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.

●

Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

■

If oil is spilled on the engine cover
To prevent the engine cover from being damaged, remove any engine oil
from the engine cover as soon as possible using a neutral detergent. 
Do not use an organic solvent such as brake cleaner.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance



Engine coolant reservoir

The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir when the hybrid system is cold.

Reservoir cap

“F” line

“L” line

If the level is on or below the “L”
line, add coolant up to the “F” line.
(

→P. 519)



Power control unit coolant reservoir

The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the hybrid system is cold.

Reservoir cap

“FULL” line

“LOW” line

If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line. (

→P. 519)

■

Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.

U.S.A.: 
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -31

°F [-35°C])

Canada: 
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -44

°F [-42°C])

For more details about coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.

Coolant

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If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiators, hoses, engine/power control unit coolant reser-
voir caps, drain cock and water pump. 
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.

Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign objects. 

If either of the above parts is extremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

WARNING

■

When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the engine/power control unit coolant reservoir caps or the
radiator cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.

NOTICE

■

When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.

■

If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging parts or paint.

Radiator and condenser

WARNING

■

When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause seri-
ous injuries, such as burns.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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Checking fluid level

The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.

“MAX”

“MIN”

■

Adding fluid

Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary item.

■

Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.

Brake fluid

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Fluid type

FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid

Item

Clean funnel

WARNING

■

When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean
water immediately.

If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.

NOTICE

■

If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious problem.

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Add washer fluid in the following
situations:
● A washer does not work.
● “Windshield Washer Fluid Low”

is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display.

Washer fluid

WARNING

■

When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the hybrid system is hot or operating as
washer fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine, etc.

NOTICE

■

Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid 
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces.

■

Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary. 
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid bot-
tle.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

The 12-volt battery is located on
the right-hand side of the trunk.

Remove the 12-volt battery cover.

12-volt battery

Location

Removing the 12-volt battery cover

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Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded and that
there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.

Terminals

Hold-down clamp

■

Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Therefore, observe the following precautions before
recharging:

●

If recharging with the 12-volt battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to dis-
connect the ground cable.

●

Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and dis-
connecting the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.

■

After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery

●

Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possible imme-
diately after reconnecting the 12-volt battery. If this happens, use the wire-
less remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.

●

Start the hybrid system with the power switch in ACCESSORY mode. The
hybrid system may not start with the power switch turned off. However, the
hybrid system will operate normally from the second attempt.

●

The power switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the 12-volt battery is
reconnected, the vehicle will return the power switch mode to the status it
was in before the 12-volt battery was disconnected. Make sure to turn off
the power before disconnecting the 12-volt battery. Take extra care when
connecting the 12-volt battery if the power switch mode prior to discharge is
unknown.

If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact your Toyota
dealer.

Exterior

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WARNING

■

Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may
produce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk
of death or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or
near the 12-volt battery:

●

Do not cause sparks by touching the 12-volt battery terminals with tools.

●

Do not smoke or light a match near the 12-volt battery.

●

Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.

●

Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.

●

Wear protective safety glasses when working near the 12-volt battery.

●

Keep children away from the 12-volt battery.

■

Where to safely charge the 12-volt battery
Always charge the 12-volt battery in an open area. Do not charge the 12-
volt battery in a garage or closed room where there is insufficient ventila-
tion.

■

How to recharge the 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The 12-volt battery may explode if
charged at a quicker rate.

■

Emergency measures regarding electrolyte

●

If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.

●

If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.

●

If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.

●

If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.

■

When disconnecting the 12-volt battery
Do not disconnect the negative (-) terminal on the body side. The discon-
nected negative (-) terminal may touch the positive (+) terminal, which may
cause a short and result in death or serious injury.

■

When replacing the 12-volt battery
Use a 12-volt battery designed for this vehicle. Failure to do so may cause
gas (hydrogen) to enter the passenger compartment, causing a fire or
explosion.
For replacement of the 12-volt battery, contact your Toyota dealer.

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NOTICE

■

When recharging the 12-volt battery
Never recharge the 12-volt battery while the hybrid system is operating.
Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.

428

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Check if the treadwear indicators are showing on the tires. Also check
the tires for uneven wear, such as excessive wear on one side of the
tread.

Check the spare tire condition and pressure if not rotated.

New tread

Worn tread

Treadwear indicator

The location of treadwear indicators is shown by a “TWI” or “

Δ

” mark,

etc., molded into the sidewall of each tire. 

Replace the tires if the treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.

Rotate the tires in the order
shown.

To equalize tire wear and extend
tire life, Toyota recommends that
tire rotation is carried out at the
same interval as tire inspection.

Do not fail to initialize the tire
pressure warning system after
tire rotation.

Tires

Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance sched-
ules and treadwear.

Checking tires

Tire rotation

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Your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that uses
tire pressure warning valve and transmitters to detect low tire inflation
pressure before serious problems arise.



Vehicles without a tire inflation pressure display function

If the tire pressure drops below a predetermined level, the driver is
warned by a screen display and a warning light. (

→P. 483)



Vehicles with a tire inflation pressure display function

● The tire pressure detected by the tire pressure warning system can

be displayed on the multi-information display.

● If the tire pressure drops below a predetermined level, the driver is

warned by a screen display and a warning light. (

→P. 483)

Tire pressure warning system



4.2-inch display



7-inch display



4.2-inch display



7-inch display

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◆

Installing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters

When replacing the tires or wheels, the tire pressure warning valve
and transmitters must be installed to the wheels which will be
installed to the vehicle.

When new tire pressure warning valve and transmitters are
installed, new ID codes must be registered in the tire pressure
warning computer and the tire pressure warning system must be
initialized. (

→P. 432)

◆

Initializing the tire pressure warning system

■

The tire pressure warning system must be initialized in the fol-
lowing circumstances:
● When the tire inflation pressure is changed such as when chang-

ing traveling speed or load weight.

● When the tire inflation pressure is changed such as when the tire

size is changed.

● When rotating the tires.
● Vehicles with a tire inflation pressure display function: After per-

forming the transmitter ID code registration procedure. (

→P. 432)

When the tire pressure warning system is initialized, the current tire
inflation pressure is set as the benchmark pressure.

■

How to initialize the tire pressure warning system

Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn the power switch off.

The initialization procedure cannot be started while the vehicle is
moving.

Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire inflation
pressure level. (

→P. 532)

Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire infla-
tion pressure level. The tire pressure warning system will operate
based on this pressure level.

Turn the power switch to ON mode.

Select 

 (4.2-inch display) or 

 (7-inch display) on the multi-

information display using the meter control switches on the steer-
ing wheel. (

→P. 105, 119).

4.2-inch display: Select “Vehicle Settings” and then press 

.

7-inch display: Select 

 and then press and hold 

.

Select “TPWS” and then press 

.

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Select “Set Pressure” then
press and hold 

 until

the tire pressure warning
light blinks 3 times.

Then a message will be dis-
played on the multi-information
display.

Vehicles with a tire inflation
pressure display function: “- -”
will be displayed on the multi-
information display for the
inflation pressure of each tire
while initialization is being per-
formed.

Vehicles with a tire inflation pressure display function: Drive
straight (with occasional left and right turns) at approximately 25
mph (40 km/h) or more for approximately 10 to 30 minutes.

Initialization is complete when the position of each tire is determined
and the inflation pressure of each tire is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display.

Initialization may take longer than approximately 1 hour in certain
situations, such as when the vehicle is stopped for a long time at
traffic lights, etc. (

→P. 437)

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

◆

Registering ID codes



Vehicles without a tire inflation pressure display function

Every tire pressure warning valve and transmitter has a unique ID
code. In addition to the set of tire pressure warning system sensor
ID codes initially registered to the vehicle, a second set of ID codes
can be registered.

A second set of tire pressure warning system sensor ID codes can
be registered at your Toyota dealer. When 2 sets of ID codes have
been registered, either ID code set can be selected.



Vehicles with a tire inflation pressure display function

Every tire pressure warning valve and transmitter has a unique ID
code. When replacing a tire pressure warning valve and transmitter,
it is necessary to register the ID codes. 

The ID codes can be registered on 

 (4.2-inch display) or 

 (7-

inch display) of the multi-information display.

■

Changing the available set of ID codes (vehicles without a tire
inflation pressure display function)

When 2 sets of ID codes are registered, the corresponding ID code
set for the installed wheels can be selected on 

 (4.2-inch display)

or 

 (7-inch display) of the multi-information display. It is not nec-

essary to reregister the ID codes each time the wheels are
changed.

For information regarding changing the registered ID codes for an
ID code set, contact your Toyota dealer.

■

How to register the ID codes (vehicles with a tire inflation pres-
sure display function)

Select 

 (4.2-inch display) or 

 (7-inch display) on the multi-

information display using the meter control switches on the steer-
ing wheel. (

→P. 105, 119)

4.2-inch display: Select “Vehicle Settings” and then press 

.

7-inch display: Select 

 and then press and hold 

.

Select “TPWS” and then press 

.

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